Ouch! Cost of going to the dentist will rise by 8.5% next month trends now

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The cost of going to a dentist will rise by the largest amount for 17 years next month as part of price hikes branded ‘utterly grotesque’ by the British Dental Association.

NHS dental charges will increase by 8.5 per cent from April 24, the largest single jump since the current system of charges was introduced in 2006.

This means the cost of a filling will rise more than £5 from the current £65.20 to £70.70. The price of a basic check-up will rise from £23.80 to £25.80, while more complicated ‘band 3’ treatments such as crowns or dentures will increase by £24 to £306.80.

Government officials said the rises – the first in more than two years – are necessary to meet the increased costs of delivering dental care. But the British Dental Association (BDA) hit out at the hikes, accusing ministers of prioritising government funds over access to affordable treatment.

Around one million adults declined to see an NHS dentist due to cost last year according to data from the GP survey, with the increase meaning many more will ‘think twice about seeking care’, they warned.